Ringo Starr’s 2017 studio album Give More Love is an upbeat, 10-song collection featuring guest stars (or is that Starrs?) very few artists can pull into a project. “On The Road Again” sees some heavy wailing riffs and low grumbling bass, plus a shouted chorus tagline, all managed from the likes of Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Edgar Winter and Steve Lukather. McCartney plays a few extra lines at the end, which is just icing on this wonderful opening gambit.
“Laughable” is a sly little rocker, co-written and performed with Peter Frampton lending his light guitar touches on a tune that sees Starr seemingly commenting on recent events. Trickling keys and a sweet McCartney bass line tucked under Lukather’s single-note picking on “Show Me The Way” makes for one spectacular ballad. There’s slide and acoustic steering “Standing Still,” and there’s Dave Stewart’s funky guitar and Edgar Winter’s sax on “King of the Kingdom.” Be it soundscapes or more pop-friendly songs, Give More Love has a little something for everyone.
What’s especially cool are Starr’s reimaginings of some of his most famous songs. “Photograph” is a country-based acoustic number with a poignant vocal. “Back Off Boogaloo” is looser and louder than the original. And “Don’t Pass Me By,” the drummer’s first Beatles composition from The White Album gets recast with prominent handclaps. As a whole, Give More Love is a strong effort from rock’s most loveable time keeper with, as always, a host of friends to lend a hand.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
